This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. To order presentation-ready copies for distribution to your colleagues, clients or customers, click the "Reprints" link at the bottom of any article.

May 20, 2009

Rescue Plan May Backfire

A "beneath the surface" analysis of the stress test results and the Public Private Investment Program (PPIP), furthermore, reveals flaws that could render it ineffective, null and void.

Have you ever felt manipulated by the stock market? While the stock market directly can't be blamed, make-believe monumental news like the bank stress test results can actually point investors in the wrong direction. In fact, the misplaced hope in banks' health and the government's multi-trillion bank rescue program is certain to send stocks for another tailspin.

Admittedly, the government's commitment to put the economy back on track is unprecedented; the situation in general, though, is not. About a year ago, ETFguide referred to Japan as our window into the future. Japan's Nikkei topped in 1989 at 40,000. Over the next 19 years, the Nikkei declined over 80 percent to below 8,000.

Similar to the U.S., Japan's economy was fueled by a real-estate boom and easy money. Tokyo's administration tried to revive their economy with dozens of stimulus packages, none of which worked. Japan's decline occurred amidst a global bull market. The global bear market accompanying the U.S. decline should make accelerate the search for the ultimate bottom.

A "beneath the surface" analysis of the stress test results and the Public Private Investment Program (PPIP), furthermore, reveals flaws that could render it ineffective, null and void. Some of the flaws, not visible to the public, contain twists that would make Monty Python proud. With the government's support, Citigroup for example, was able to close a $35 billion capital deficit without having to spend or raise any new money.

In another example, the President of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, was considered to be free of any wrong doing since his "indiscretion" occurred while he was already at odds with the Fed's policy. It seems like the "two wrongs make it right" principle is become the new standard on Wall Street and in Washington.

Investors should abstain from basing their investment decision on the hope for outcome of the recent bank rescue attempts.

Ron DeLegge is the San Diego-based publisher and editor of ETFguide.com is a frequent speaker and radio host on index investing. He also has been an investment and financial advisor and holds the Series 65 and 63 licenses.